Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
